RESOURCES ABOUT GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS FOR LIBRARIANS
The graphic novel has no stronger ally that the modern librarian! Over the last four years, I've had the chance to educate librarians across America about this medium that I work in and love, showing them that graphic novels can supply diversity, depth and excitement to readers of all ages! Here's some of the resource sheets I've helped create for these presentations: The Ultimate, Must Have, Don't Get Caught Dead Without These, Comics & Graphic Novels List:
A great starter list for the creation of a graphic novel collection that will appeal to a wide range of readers! Anime and Manga Lexicon:
Not sure what Anime is? Don't know your "shojo" from your "shonen"? Read this document! Also includes resources such as periodicals and websites about Anime and Manga. Comics and Graphic Novels for All:
Lists Kevin King's and my favorite comics, along with a shorter "Don't get caught dead..." list and other resources including magazines and web sites about comics and graphic novels. 
INFORMATION ABOUT THE "MOPED ARMY" GRAPHIC NOVEL (ISBN # 0-9768565-4-9)
For background, story and character information, take a moment and check out the MOPED ARMY section of my website. Here's some of the reviews and blurbs that I've already received on MOPED ARMY:
"MOPED ARMY" MAKES 2007 "GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS" LIST
MOPED ARMY has been placed on the final list for the 2007 "Great Graphic Novels for Teens" by the
American Library Association and YALSA. See the press release HERE. This news follows MOPED ARMY being named by Voice of Youth Advocates reviewer Kat Kan as one of the top 24 graphic novels reviewed in the last 12 years for VOYA Magazine. For a PDF link to Kat Kan's "The Double Dozen" article in this month's VOYA magazine, click HERE.
"MOPED ARMY" NOMINATED FOR TWO A.L.A. "BEST OF" LISTS!
First of the nominations is from the American Library Association’s “Best Books For Young Adults” list, a yearly list of graphic novels and prose books recommended for teen readers by a national board of librarians. The awards are announced January 2007 for books released from September 2005-September 2006.
Here’s the official nomination information and recommendation review from the BBYA board:
Best Books for Young Adults
Nomination #49
Sizer, Paul
Moped Army
Cafe Digital Comics
In 2277, after a clash between two rival groups, Simone, an
“upper", decides to try life in the Lower City with the Moped Army.
“This clever graphic novel has a lot going on and manages it all
successfully in a book that is compulsively readable. There is a
dystopian future city inhabited by the rich uppers and the poor “unders”
left behind in the Lower City and an inevitable clash between the economic
groups as played out by teens is wholly believable. The heroine, Simone,
is a sympathetic young girl struggling to find a place where she can
discover her strengths and feel valued. Best of all is the very engaging
Moped Army, reestablished 250 years in the future. The illustrations work
wonderfully, the black and white tones emphasizing the darkness of
conditions in the Lower City. Clever details abound for the observant
readers and who can resist the idea of the abandoned library providing a
welcoming shelter? I found this a very original and intelligent read, one
that is sure to engage older teens. I was almost convinced to abandon my
car for one of those great mopeds.”
Secondly, MOPED ARMY has been nominated for another award within the American Library Association, the “Great Graphic Novels for Teens” list, a new award created to spotlight graphic novels for a teen audience. The award, in its inaugural year, will be pulling its list from books published between September 2005 and September 2006. The board of librarians on this award are strong proponents of getting graphic novels and comics into libraries across the country as a respected literary format. (http://www.ala.org/ala/yalsa/booklistsawards/greatgraphicnovelsforteens/nominations.htm)
REVIEW IN VOYA (VOICE OF YOUTH ADVOCATES) BY KAT KAN, December 2005
"TEEN OUTCASTS IN THE FUTURE"
"In Paul Sizer's MOPED ARMY, a teen survival clique in the year 2277 has resurrected the Moped Army (there is a real Moped Army in the U.S. now, read the introduction) in Rust City, the old Bolt Harbor upon which a new city was built. High school senior Simone comes from a good family; her father works for a major firm building the aircars that all upper Bolt Harbor citizens drive ever since gasoline was outlawed. She has a boyfriend, son of her father?s boss, and all the advantages a girl could want. Unless one wants to live her own life. Chester is a bully, a dope addict, and loves to ride his aircar down to Rust City and use its air blasts to hurt people down there. One night Simone reluctantly rides with him, and Chester and his friends kill a young moped rider, which horrifies Simone. Some time later, still haunted by the murder, she ventures down to Rust City, where she naturally gets into trouble right away and is saved by two young men riding mopeds. The leader, Dingle, introduces her to his loosely-knit group of young misfits, all of whom ride old mopeds, relics of the late twentieth-century, which they keep fueled by locating old gas stations and siphoning the illegal gasoline. Soon Simone starts spending more time in Rust City with the Moped Army, attracted by their acceptance of her as she is. As she does this, her life in Bolt Harbor becomes more burdensome, and she realizes she can't stay with the cruel Chester or her clueless parents any more.
Sizer based his story on the real Moped Army, and used two of the Kalamazoo leaders to make sure his depiction of the mopeds and the philosophy of the Moped Army were all true to life. This is a much edgier story than his LITTLE WHITE MOUSE (VOYA April 2005), and is set in the lower, darker parts of the city where poor people have to scratch out a living and scrounge for everything. Older teens will find some harsh language, the occasional middle finger salute, discussion of sex (which occurs off-page), and some violence. They will also find a compelling story with socio-political ideas simmering under the surface of the action, and a coming-of-age story as Simone finds her place in the world. Oh, and the fact that the Moped Army hangs out in an abandoned library and uses its resources to find the information they need is very cool, too. RATING: 5Q 3P S A/YA "
"Sizer has yet again crafted a tale with an inspirational message, set in a dark emotionless world. You won't need to pedal to get the MOPED ARMY moving because it starts right up in the beginning and roars until the end!" – KEVIN KING, Teen Services Librarian, Kalamazoo Public Library "MOPED ARMY will have much the same spirit of Youth Solidarity as AKIRA or Dave Gibbons' THE ORIGINALS. However, the cast (and their vehicles) have a kitbashed look that distinguishes them from the slick future-Mod aesthetic of Gibbons' earlier work... Sizer's graphic novel boasts appealing character art and a solid (future) worldview. I'm sure that MOPED ARMY will transcend the familiarity of the core premise, doing both creator and community proud. – MATTHEW CRAIG, reviewer, THE NINTH ART "Paul Sizer's new graphic novel is the stuff that classics are made of: compelling characters and understated commentary on our own world."– TONY ISABELLA, Contributing Editor, COMICS BUYER'S GUIDE "... Simone, the lead, demonstrates Sizer's ability to create inspiring young women who struggle but survive, and her journey to be true to herself is something I'll be certain to reread every so often."
– JOHANNA DRAPER-CARLSON, Reviewer, ComicsWorthReading.com "50 percent sociological/geopolitical commentary, 50 percent family drama, and 100 percent fun. That's right, Sizer gives readers 200 percent of his efforts in MOPED ARMY."– TIM O’SHEA, www.silverbulletcomicbooks.com
FOR MORE "MOPED ARMY" REVIEWS AND COMPLETE VERSIONS OF THESE REVIEWS, CLICK HERE.
ORDERING THE "MOPED ARMY" GRAPHIC NOVEL FOR YOUR LIBRARY
There are 4 options for ordering MOPED ARMY. I've listed them here in order of preference and ease of use. As I have an exclusive book distribution deal through Diamond, I would prefer you go through them via your vendor of choice (Brodart, BWI, etc.) All of your normal book vendors can order directly from Diamond for you; just provide them with the ISBN number and order code listed below:
1. DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS
Diamond Order Code for MOPED ARMY graphic novel: JUL05 2738
ISBN # 0-9768565-4-9
2. BWI, INGRAM, BRODART: All of these library vendors can order MOPED ARMY books through their contacts with Diamond Book Distributors. Please reference the ISBN # and Diamond Ordering Code above for ordering this book.
3. AMAZON.COM
4. CAFE DIGITAL ONLINE STORE
If you have a PayPal account and are not able to order through any of these other vendors, you can order MOPED ARMY directly from my ONLINE STORE. I can accept PO's and can provide you with whatever invoice documentation you require for your library.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE "LITTLE WHITE MOUSE" GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
For background, story and character information and artwork, take a moment and check out the LITTLE WHITE MOUSE section of my website.
NOTE FOR LIBRARIANS: LITTLE WHITE MOUSE: THE OMNIBUS EDITION, a 448 page trade collection of the ENTIRE LITTLE WHITE MOUSE series in one large volume, is available NOW. I will no longer be selling the four individual graphic novels of LITTLE WHITE MOUSE, as my own inventory is now completely sold out (thanks primarily to libraries across the country!).
LIBRARY ORDER INFORMATION
1. DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTION and DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTION
Diamond Order Code for LWM OMNIBUS EDITION: APR063036
ISBN # 0-9768565-5-7
BWI, Baker & Taylor, Brodart, Amazon.com and Ingram will be able to order via Diamond Book Distribution. Use the order code above to reference the book.
SPECIAL OFFER WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!
I'm offering copies of the first LITTLE WHITE MOUSE collection digest at a special reduced price; perfect for promotional giveaways, prizes for library events, or as an inexpensive introduction to the world of LITTLE WHITE MOUSE. This digest-sized collection includes the first series of LITTLE WHITE MOUSE (and is included in the OMNIBUS as well) and is being offered until my stock is depleted.
Click on the banner below for more infomation and ordering information. If you are interested in purchasing larger quantities (20 or more books) for your library, please contact me to arrange bulk pricing and shipping.
Here's some of the reviews LITTLE WHITE MOUSE has gotten over the years:
From cover to cover, Little White Mouse is an extraordinary
effort. The design of the comic is striking. The storytelling is
top-notch. The issues crackle with artistry and imagination.
—Tony Isabella, Tony’s Online Tips. This comic is a wonderfully imaginative adventure that doesn't get nearly enough attention from fans. Given the apparently limited setting, I was surprised to realize the extent of the storytelling possibilities, which are carried out in terrific style with loads of imagination.
—Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading. “The thing about this book—besides its incredible sense of solitude—is the backstory. It would be easy enough to just center on Loo and ignore the rest of the universe, but that doesn’t happen...the fact that a creator would even attempt to create a solo-character comic series is noteworthy, and the fact that he pulls it off brilliantly is remarkable.”
—Cliff and Brett, Comic Shop News. ”Writer and artist Paul Sizer throws an interesting curve with this one...’Little White Mouse‘ is a character-driven tale about how our environments shape us, and finding the strength to continue in a very harsh, unforgiving world. Very fun, exciting stuff.”
—Matthew Brady, Sci-Fi Universe “Paul Sizer has done a wonderful job in giving Loo a real personality, making her a fit companion to such well-developed (in a character sense, not chest size) women as STRANGERS IN PARADISE’s Francine and Katchoo.”
–Cliff Biggers, Comics Buyers Guide. “Sizer has the happy ability to write about a teen-age girl without having her come off as a ditz... Loo’s intelligence, resourcefulness and introspection are nice surprises...”
–Tom Lawton, Comics Buyers Guide. “...LITTLE WHITE MOUSE comes out just right. The thoughtful story is bright and female-friendly, the kind of comic book that Friends of Lulu should be cheering for...”
–Phil Mateer, Comics Buyers Guide. “A little manga, a little Tank Girl, a bit of action and some introspective angst...this offers fun and intelligence all in one package.”
–Steve Ginsberg, Comics Buyers Guide. “Sizer knows how to draw, has a story to tell, and has got himself a character you can empathize with and root for. I want to see more.”
–S. A. Bennett, Comics Buyers Guide
"Sizer does a masterful job of thrusting us into the role of voyeur as he makes us privy to all the inner workings of his characters. At its core, LITTLE WHITE MOUSE is a story about desperation and loneliness, and how we as human beings deal with those two personal demons. It is a tale filled with ingenuity, personal courage, and most of all hope. It's pretty much the entire human equation wrapped up in just over 200 pages of science fiction trappings. It's pure magic. Just read it, you'll love it."
–Dan Traeger, Savant Online Magazine
"I’m astounded that in this seemingly sci-fi tale—replete with robots and space age technology—the core of the tale is about the weight of one’s soul and all that makes up the essence of a person. Sizer portrays this through technological ghosts, brainwave transfers and in one issue, the simple throwing of a Frisbee. Rather than a tale of loneliness and despair, one sees where Loo’s unceasing supply of hope is generated by the values instilled by her family. And this adventure vividly portrays her ability to create a pseudo-family through her own trials and challenges. It’s a tale of discovery for the characters and for its audience." –Tim O'Shea, Silver Bullet Comics Online
"The great thing about Little White Mouse is that the characters are so endearing. From the rough yet loveable "Filthy Jake" Armani, to Loo's brother Xi who is convinced that Loo is still alive somewhere, every character has qualities that we can see a bit of ourselves in. Sizer makes sure that every character wears their heart on their sleeve while also hiding major plot points at the same time... readers will definitely get to see the same wit and charm from a great series that can make a person cry one page and laugh out loud the next. Grade: A"
–Nathan Melby, Comic Buyers Guide
PROMOTIONAL IMAGES
These photos of me are provided for use in press releases, online articles and promotional materials for workshops. Click on the thumbnails below to get print quality images (RGB or greyscale) in a new browser window. (Photography by Douglas Neal)
 
 
 
 
PAUL SIZER'S LIBRARY WORKSHOPS
For more information on the comic art workshops I can do for YOUR library, check out my WORKSHOPS section! |
